I posted this in the General section and it didn't really go anywhere; JMM was still fighting at Featherweight when he was 33. Now he's moved up 4 divisions to face the #1 or #2 P4P fighter in the world. No fighter in the history of boxing has ever moved up 4 divisions after age 33 to defeat an elite fighter. Only a few truly great fighters have been able to move up several weight divisions before they hit their limit. But they all started moving up much earlier in their careers than JMM. Gradually growing into the weight and getting used to fighting taller, stronger opponents while still having peak stamina and reflexes to compensate. When you put it into historical perspective, you can see how much of a mismatch this truly is. My question for you guys is, is there anyone I haven't thought of? The key points being; The weight class they were in at age 33 & beating a top P4P guy 4 modern weight divisions up. So, Featherweight-Welterweight/Lightweight-Middleweight/Welterweight-Middleweight....
Here's the issue. Back then boxers fought at their weight, and there was only one champion. These days modern fighters are often 12+ pounds over the weight limit for the belt they are fighting for. So when Mayweather who did not make weight last night, whips a much smaller guy moving up who is happy to take the pay day....its not as if they are both at 147. We have a jr middle beating a guy who best stuff isn't at welter. I still think Mayweather is an ATG.
